GECs
Zee Content Hub originals slate for DISCOP SA: First Indian-African drama, lifestyle and factual programmes offered
MUMBAI: Global Content Hub by Zee – the syndication division of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) — announced its new, original programmes for licensing at the upcoming DISCOP market, in Johannesburg on 25-27 October.
Highlights of this year’s portfolio include the new Indian/African co-production series Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan, filmed in Dubai and the Ivory Coast. Other featured shows on offer are two new dramas and a lifestyle programme, as well as Zee’s complete rich catalogue of over 2400,000 hours’ programs in all genres.
Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan is an original and ground-breaking African-Indian co-production between Zee TV and RTI from Ivory Coast. Filmed in both Africa and the Middle East, the 13-episod ic one-hour drama features well-known African actor Ahmed Souane from the Ivory Coast, who co-stars as the protagonist tycoon’s best friend.
Renowned actor Javed Sheikh portrays the UAE real estate tycoon, Ikram Malik, and the story follows his endeavor to launch a massive real estate project in the UAE. The series is fast-paced, sophisticated and engrossing and began its broadcast in December 2016, garnering the highest rating recorded for any show in the UAE for 2016 (Average 12.1 TVR); and went on to become the top-rated show among South Asians for its entire 2-month run through February 2017. Khwaabon Ke Darmiyaan is the second Indian drama series ever filmed in Dubai, the first was Parwaaz also produced by Zee.
Also on offer for the first time are two popular dramas and one factual programme: Woh Apna Sa — an Indian drama series about a troubled marriage and potential love triangle; Waaris (Heir) an Indian drama-thriller series; and English-language, transformational reality programme Big Fat Truth about healthy living.
ZEEL chief business officer – international ad sales, global syndication and production Sunita Uchil said, “Zee’s Global Content Hub is also highlighting two fantastic dramas for the first time as well as an English-language healthy lifestyle programme."
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
